Macclesfield might have been on the wrong end of a seven-goal thriller but it is clear that manager Gary Simpson has instilled a never-say-die spirit.

The Silkmen came to attack setting up with a forward-thinking 4-4-2 formation, the plan working for the first 15 minutes.

They took the lead with the same combination that grabbed their opener on Saturday veteran playmaker Matty Hamshaw picking out skipper Nat Brown who floated a looping header off the post from 15 yards.

The Foxes then began their own hunt equalising on 35 minutes when keeper Jose Veiga could only palm a Steve Howard shot into the path of Robbie Neilson who sent the return home at the first attempt.

After the break local boy Matty Fryatt went to town with two goals in four minutes. First he capitalised on a weak punch from Veiga to round Shaun Brisley to curl a shot to the far corner.

Then in the 51st minute he seized on a through ball from Ritchie Wellens to lift the ball over Veiga from 15 yards.

Another side might have been buried but Macc responded through substitute Vinnie Mukendi who converted a Brisley cross with an accurate 10-yard downward header.

Man-of-the-match Wellens all but sealed the game with a 15-yard half-volley on 70 minutes, but as Leicester were cruising Macc produced a sting in the tail with Tyrone Barnett forcing keeper Conrad Logan to spill at the feet of Daniel, who home from 15 yards.

Macc go out of the Carling Cup at the first attempt, bit with their heads held high.